Bt3-tn transport infrastructure plan

The Transport Ministry has drawn up the outline of a Bt3-trillion eight-year investment plan for infrastructure projects, including high-speed trains in the second phase.

The feasibility study on the controversial high-speed train project is expected to be completed in 2016. The high-speed train routes under consideration are Bangkok-Phitsanulok and Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai. Most infrastructure projects are in line with the ministry's previous investment plan that focused on transport and logistics such as double-track railways, electric mass-transit trains and improvement of highways and ports.

The proposal came after the deputy chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, who is in charge of economic affairs, met yesterday with relevant state agencies. Transport Ministry permanent secretary Somchai Siriwatanachok also joined the meeting.

Separately, NCPO chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said after a meeting yesterday with 36 relevant agencies that he had instructed them to reprioritise the previous government's Bt350-billion water management projects to be in accordance with the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan. The projects should be in line with His Majesty the King's idea of water management, he told them.